Events listed here are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit groups unless otherwise noted. Press releases may be sent to Goings on, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, sent via e-mail to gdt@gloucestertimes.com or faxed to 978-281-5748. Please include a contact person's name and telephone number, and send at least two weeks prior to the event.

'The Sound of Music'

The Annisquam Village Players will present Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" Aug. 6-10, at the Annisquam Village Hall, Leonard Street. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Reserved seating is $25, general admission is $15. For tickets, stop by the Annsiquam Exchange, Leonard Street, Annisquam; The Book Store, 61 Main St., Gloucester; or Lula's Pantry, Rockport. Refreshments will be available during intermission. Visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.

Waterfront Festival

The 28th annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival, sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, will take place at Stage Fort Park on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The festival features live music, ethnic foods and the work of more than 175 artists and craftspeople. Exhibits include jewelry, watercolors, pottery, quilts, silk and dried floral arrangements, dolls, photography, maps, stained glass, nautical crafts, oil paintings and more. A pancake breakfast takes place Saturday morning. A New England lobster bake takes place Sunday afternoon. Also Sunday, the North Shore Old Car Club displays more than 60 antique autos. Admission is free. The even will take place rain or shine. Call 978-283-1601 or visit www.capeannvacations.com.

Pancake breakfast

The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold its annual pancake breakfast Saturday, Aug. 16, 7 to 11 a.m., at the Stage Fort Park bandstand. Tickets are $6 per person. For tickets, stop by the Rose Baker Senior Center or call 978-281-9765. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center, the North Shore Health Project, and RSVP/SeniorCare Inc. Parking is free during breakfast for ticket holders.

Elks karaoke

The Gloucester Lodge of Elks will host a karaoke night Saturday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m. to midnight, in the members lounge. The event will be hosted by DJ Dan Dailey. Members and guests are welcome.

Cribbage Group

The Magnolia Cribbage Group will meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Patio restaurant, Lexington Avenue, starting Sept. 3. Registration will take place Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Cost is $38 for 10 weeks, payable in advance. The 11th week will feature a dinner and prizes. Beginners, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. For details, contact Roger DiNapoli at 978-526-8550 or dinapoli@msn.com.

Can drive fundraiser

TeamGtown from the MSChallenge Walk 2008 will hold a can drive to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on Sunday, Aug. 17, 9 to 11 a.m., at 8 Maple St. All proceeds will benefit the organization. TeamGtown will participate in the three-day, 50-mile walk on Cape Cod Sept. 5-7. For more information, contact team captain Alicia Marchant at 978-726-1960 or visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/teamgtown.

Gallery celebration

The¬ Bryan Gallery, 53 Rocky Neck Ave., will celebrate its founders, Alden and Mary Bryan, and the historic building that now displays work by artists of the Rocky Neck Art Colony on Sunday, Aug. 17, from¬ 4 to 6 p.m. The Bryan Gallery artists will exhibit new work that highlights the heritage and history of Cape Ann. Judith Curtis, art historian and author of the book, "The Rocky Neck Art Colony: 1850-1950," will read excerpts about the Bryans, and a history of the Bryan Gallery building will be presented. Light refreshments will be served.

Free hand screenings

The Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Addison Gilbert Hospital will conduct free hand function screenings Tuesday, Aug. 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Sensation, strength, motion and function testing will be conducted by certified hand therapists. Appointments are not necessary. All are welcome. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

School open house

Eastern Point Day School, 8 Farrington Ave., will hold an open house on the following days: Aug. 20, 9 to 11 a.m., Aug. 22, 2 to 4 p.m., and Aug. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. The school is open to students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. Visitors will tour the school, visit with the headmaster, and learn about the faculty. E-mail admissions@easternpointdayschool.org or call 978-283-1700.

Coro Stella Maris auditions

Coro Stella Maris, the North Shore's Renaissance vocal ensemble, is holding auditions for all voice parts for the 2008-09 season. Auditions will take place Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 to 5 p.m., and Monday, Aug. 18, 6 to 9 p.m. To schedule an audition, call 857-919-4218 or 617-964-6609, or send an e-mail to aleclair@clausura.org. The group rehearses Monday evenings at 7 at Grace Church in Salem, beginning in September. Visit www.corostellamaris.org.

NSAA auction

Tickets are now on sale for the North Shore Arts Association's Art Auction & Gala on Saturday, Aug. 16. A preview party, catered by Duckworth's, will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will include an open wine bar and live music by What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? The live auction, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature auctioneer Frank Kaminski. The auction will include paintings from the association's most accomplished artists. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets may be purchased at the NSAA, 11 Pirates Lane, or by calling 978-283-1857. Visit www.nsarts.org.

Lead paint removal money

Massachusetts Housing lead paint abatement money is available with a zero percent deferred loan. There are no monthly payments unless you sell, transfer or refinance your home to take money back. Income limit for one or two people is $82,600; limit for three or more in a household is $94,900. Investor-owners may be eligible to receive a loan at or below market interest rates. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. MassHousing has money available to get rid of lead paint and will install new windows, doors, exterior siding, etc. Call Stella at Action Inc. of Gloucester at 978-283-7874.

Northern Essex WIC

Northern Essex WIC (Women, Infants and Children) participants receive nutrition and breast-feeding education and referrals to other medical and social services. Offices are at 180 Main St., Gloucester, 978-281-4540, and 4 Ocean St., Beverly, 978-922-2110.

Clothing donations

AMVETS Post 32 collects clothing for adults for distribution at Massachusetts veterans hospitals. New or clean used clothing in good condition is needed. Clothing may be dropped off at AMVETS Post 32, 14 Prospect St., weekdays after 10 a.m. To arrange for pickup, call Tom Glenn at 978-283-7516. AMVETS also collects flip-tops from aluminum cans for recycling. Proceeds benefit AMVETS' veterans hospital programs.

Knitting, crocheting group

A group meets Tuesdays to knit and crochet items for veterans and other worthy causes, 10 a.m. to noon, at Rose Baker Senior Center. Donations of yarn are always accepted. New members are welcome to join. Stop in or call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765.

Free HIV/AIDS testing

Free HIV/AIDS testing is held every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Addison Gilbert Hospital, third floor. Use the Washington Street entrance. No appointment is necessary. Call Mayra Rivera at 978-853-8633.

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Elks Club, 100 Atlantic Road.

Seniors Speak Out

City Councilor Gus Foote will offer a "Speak Out" session Monday, Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. Call 978-281-9765.

Discussion group for seniors

The Council on Aging invites seniors to participate in a discussion group with Jane Militello, assistant director at SeniorCare Inc., Monday, Aug. 18, 10 to 11 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. A survey will follow. Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Call 978-281-9765.

Isabel Babson Memorial Library

Isabel Babson Memorial Library, 69 Main St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library, named for Gloucester's first midwife, has books featuring every aspect of family life including maternity, child care and women's health. The library's collection is updated monthly. All are welcome to browse. Call the library at 978-283-5624.

North Shore Friends

The North Shore Friends (Quakers) meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. Call 978-283-4585.

Military family members

Gloucester military family members may call the Gloucester Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740 to register their active-duty family members. Military members' names will be announced during upcoming city ceremonies.

Blue Star Banner

Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3, American Legion, honors military personnel by presenting the parents of anyone on active duty with a Blue Star Banner. These banners may be obtained by calling the post at 978-281-5078. Leave your name and telephone number and a representative will return your message.

Ucita Council

Ucita Council No. 46 meets at the Red Barn, Emerson Avenue, every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Cape Ann Food Pantry

Cape Ann Food Pantry, 28R Emerson Ave., provides free food assistance Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. Basic household information and a valid identification are required. The pantry also offers its Buck-A-Bag program, a weekly surplus food market that provides low-cost access to fresh (and locally grown) produce and wholesome breads, Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Call 978-283-6776.

America Reads helps kids

America Reads, a SeniorCare outreach, connects volunteer reading coaches with students in kindergarten through third grade who need help with reading. Coaching is usually done after school in the library. To volunteer, call 978-281-1750.

Adult Learning Center

Wellspring Adult Learning Center, at Sawyer Free Library, offers free tutoring in English (ESOL), GED test preparation, and math and literacy skill building. The center is open Monday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call 978-281-9763, ext. 23.

Food stamps screening

Cape Ann Food Pantry provides food stamps eligibility screenings with a trained outreach coordinator. Call 978-283-6776, ext. 201.

Free foreclosure assistance

The Gloucester Housing Authority, 259 Washington St., will schedule private appointments for those homeowners who are feeling the financial crunch and want to avoid a foreclosure. Homeowners will be guided to the best path to take and will find out about new laws to help the process. The free sessions are open to people living in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich and other North Shore communities. To schedule an appointment, call Kathy at 978-281-4770, ext. 110.

Second Glance Thrift Shop

Second Glance Thrift Shop, 2 Pond Road, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop sells low-cost clothing, shoes, books, housewares, CDs, furniture, linens, jewelry, knickknacks and artwork. The donation center entrance is located at the left-hand end of the building and is open to receive clean, sellable donations during regular business hours. Tax receipts are available upon request. Donations may not be left outside after hours. All proceeds support The Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry. Call 978-283-4298.

VNA Care Network

VNA Care Network, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness provider, provides stipends to women with breast cancer who need financial assistance for medications, co-payments, transportation to treatment and other things that will help increase their access to treatment and support their recovery. Women must be residents of eastern or central Massachusetts to qualify. This program is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Call registered nurse Joan Schaefer at 888-663-3688, ext. 1264, or e-mail jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org.

Weight Watchers meeting

A Weight Watchers meeting is held at the Gloucester Fraternity Club, 27 Webster St., every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Medical insurance help

For seniors and low-income residents who need help with health insurance forms or information, SHINE counselor Sefatia Romeo is at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Community Health Center financial counselor Fatima Calisto has office hours at the Senior Center on Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call the Council on Aging at 978-281-9765 to schedule an appointment with Romeo or Calisto.

Relay for Life fundraiser

Cape Ann Relay for Life's Team Re-lei for a Cure will sell jewelry all year to continue raising money for the American Cancer Society. Call Julie at 978-281-1043 or Paula 978-281-1983.

Morning at the Museum

Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., will host Morning at the Museum for children ages 6 to 12. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11:45 a.m. The schedule is: Hermit History; Aug. 7, Glorious Greenheads; Aug. 12, Creative Kites; Aug. 14, Marine Mosaics; Aug. 19, Flying Fish; and Aug. 21, Summer Seascapes. Each program includes a take-home craft project and an outdoor activity or walk. Cost is $10 per person, per class. An additional sibling costs $5 per class. For more information, contact Courtney Richardson at 978-283-0455 or courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org.

'Doubt, A Parable'

Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., presents John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt, A Parable" Aug. 7-24. Directed by Eric C. Engel, the show stars Rockport resident and Elliot Norton Award winner Nancy E. Carroll and Boston actor Lewis D. Wheeler, and features Kortney Adams and Melissa Baroni. Bronx school principal Sister Aloysius takes matters into her own hands as she investigates the behavior of a young priest, Father Flynn. The play has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Drama Desk Award, and the Tony Award for Best Play. Performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35, $30 for seniors and students. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, a limited number of half price tickets are available for Cape Ann residents. Advance reservations and proof of residency are required. The Aug. 9 performance is a Pay What You Can show. Following the Aug. 10 performance, audiences are invited to a free post-show discussion with the actors and directors. For reservations, call 978-281-4433 or visit www.gloucesterstage.org. The theater is air-conditioned.

Barnacle bazaar

The Orthodox Congregational Church of Lanesville, 1120 Washington St., will hold its annual bazaar Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Deacon's Fund for charitable/community giving. The event will feature a silent auction, white elephant items, books, crafts, games, food and baked goods, including nisu bread. Call Barbara at 978-283-2345.

Synchronized swim clinic

The North Shore YMCA Selkies will offer a synchronized swimming clinic Aug. 18-22, 10:30 to 12:30 p.m., at the Sterling Center YMCA in Beverly. Cost is $105. Swimmers should be at least 8 years old. For more information, contact Coach Kristna Evans at 978-390-4607 or at kristna@verizon.net. The North Shore YMCA Selkies, which is composed of swimmers from the North Shore, practice at the Ipswich, Gloucester and Beverly YMCAs.

Whale watch for seniors

The Council on Aging will sponsor a whale watch for Cape Ann seniors and their family members Thursday, Aug. 28. The three- to four-hour trip will depart from the Seven Seas Wharf, Rogers Street, at 8:30 a.m. sharp, rain or shine. Tickets are $23 per person. The tour will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations must be made at the Rose Baker Senior Center by Aug. 26 Call 978-281-9765.

Afternoon dancing

The Good Ole Salty Jazz Band will present music for dancing and entertainment at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Monday, Aug. 18, 1 to 3 p.m. Call 978-281-9765.

Legal information available for seniors

Attorney Sal Frontiero will offer free legal consultation to Gloucester seniors Wednesday, Aug. 6, 12:30 to 2 p.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. There is no charge for the service. To schedule an appointment, call 978-281-9765, ext. 14.

Ladies Auxiliary

The Gloucester Fraternity Club's Ladies Auxiliary has planned a summer outing for Thursday, Aug. 28. For details, call Eileen at 978-283-5854 or Ruth at 978-283-3501.

Annisquam Exchange

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Annisquam Exchange, a community-based nonprofit organization, offers antiques, collectibles, linens, cards and gifts. Call 978-281-0358.

Donations for fireworks sought

Fireworks in Gloucester depend on fundraising efforts and the Gloucester Fireworks Committee is working hard on spectacular fireworks displays for Saturday, Aug. 30, after the Boat Parade of Lights. All donations, large and small, are needed to raise the money that will allow all of us to enjoy these festive holiday celebrations. Donations may be sent to: The Gloucester Fund Inc./Fireworks Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

Summer food service program

The Open Door will sponsor a local summer food service program that will serve free lunches to children 1 to 18 years old in Gloucester. The program will run Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Aug. 29, at these Gloucester locations: Riverdale Park neighborhood; Willowood Gardens; The Open Door; Cape Ann YMCA; Veterans' Memorial School; and Kitefield Road neighborhood (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. only). The program is federally funded through the USDA and sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education. All meals are free to children under 18. No registration or sign-up is necessary. Call 978-283-6776.

COA board meets

The Gloucester Council on Aging will meet Tuesday, Aug. 12, 12:30 p.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. All members are encouraged to attend. Call 978-281-9765.

COA Friends meets

The Friends of the Gloucester Council on Aging will meet Wednesday, Aug. 13, 8 a.m., at the Rose Baker Senior Center. All members are encouraged to attend. Call 978-281-9765.

White-Ellery House tours

Cape Ann Museum will offer guided tours of the White-Ellery House, a rarely-shown First Period structure built in 1709 on Gloucester's historic Town Green and moved to its present location at 244 Washington St. Tours on Sept. 6 and Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., are free with the price of admission to the museum; $8 for adults, $6 for Cape Ann residents and seniors, $4.50 for students, free for children younger than 12 and museum members. Call 978-283-0455 or visit www.capeannmuseum.org.

Counseling for veterans

Many veterans experience difficulty in adjusting to problems they face in civilian life after having served in combat. The Lowell Vet Center offers counseling at the Gloucester Veterans Center for area veterans and their families, free of charge. To schedule an appointment, call the Gloucester Office of Veterans' Services at 978-281-9740.

Band camp

Members of The Docksiders and the Gloucester High School Marching Band, as well as those who would like to join, are invited to participate in the annual band camp at GHS from Aug. 13-15. Rehearsals will take place each day from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 1310 at the High School. All current members of both bands should plan on attending, including some freshmen. Any students who play an instrument or who have played in the past are also invited to attend. Call Dave Adams at 978-546-3621.

Garden Awards

The Gloucester Civic and Garden Council is seeking nominations for its annual garden award program. Awards will be given in the fall to the best dooryard gardens, container gardens, window boxes, and street-side landscaping. There is also an award for signs. To nominate a garden, contact Carolyn at 978-283-9129, or Donna at 978-281-2177 or dpolizzia@verizon.net.

Students' records

Students' school records for the Gloucester High School Class of 2003 are scheduled to be destroyed. To obtain school records, call 978-281-9874 before Aug. 18.

GFC annual family picnic

The Gloucester Fraternity Club will hold its annual family picnic Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $12 per person, free for children under 12. The event will include a moonwalk game for children and a horseshoe tournament for adults. Call 978-283-9772.

Bay View Brotherhood Club

Bay View Brotherhood Club Inc. holds a meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Brotherhood Club Hall, 889 Washington St., at 7 p.m.